Best NFL EDGE in five years: Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
Over the course of their NFL existence, we know the Panthers for their defense. Sure, there was the Cam Newton years with a power running, play-action option offense. Even then, they had defensive stars who helped the Panthers take the AFC South and ultimately get to the Super Bowl.
Julius Peppers manned the edge as the league’s best defensive end. Five years from now, Brian Burns will follow in Peppers’ footsteps as the league’s best edge defender.
For some, players like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett or Chase Young may get the nod. However, Burns’ ability and usage as a coverage backer. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Burns does a great job dropping into coverage playing flats, covering backs, and looks smooth in zone.
The Panthers edge rusher is an excellent athlete who rushes off the edge in a 2-point or 3-point stance. Comfort will breed success for Burns as he looks to smoke tackles for the foreseeable future. He’ll fill up the stat sheet with double-digit sacks, tackles for loss, and passse defended.
He may add a few interceptions to boot, which is why you can call Burns the league’s best edge.